STELLA MARIS by Eliseo Napiere

2010

S TELLA MA RI S B

A S SERVING THE PEOPLE OF THE SEA under the Patronage of Mary, Our Lady Stella Maris CHINESE REGIONAL BISHOPS’ CONFERENCE EPISCOPAL COMMISSION FOR THE PASTORAL CARE OF MIGRANTS AND ITINERANT PEOPLE Sailing Newsletter • 1234 Main Street • Anytown, State 54321 • 123.456.7890

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STELLA MARIS

Seafarers’ Center

...is a non-profit, charitable organization under the auspices of the Roman Catholic Bishop of Taichung whose vision is to “bring dignity and honor to the International Seafarers and their families” in cooperation with the National Chinese Seamen’s Union of Taiwan and the International Transport Federation Seafarers’ Trust.

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Member of: Supported by:

NATIONAL SEAFARERS’ WELFARE BOARD s t e l l a m a r i s b u l l e t i n • # 9 4 P a - D e r S T. , • W u - C h i ( 4 3 5 ) • Te l . + 8 8 6 4 2 6 5 6 9 8 4 0 • F a x + 8 8 6 4 2 6 5 6 9 7 6 5 • email: aostaiwan@gmail.com • Magicjack: (213)2835658 • Global roaming: +447924589708

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s t e l l a m a r i s b u l l e t i n • # 9 4 P a - D e r S T. , • W u - C h i ( 4 3 5 ) • Te l . + 8 8 6 4 2 6 5 6 9 8 4 0 • F a x + 8 8 6 4 2 6 5 6 9 7 6 5 • email: aostaiwan@gmail.com • Magicjack: (213)2835658 • Global roaming: +447924589708

• 2011

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Message from the Bishop of Taichung, Bp. Martin Su YaoWen

2011 MARKS A NEW BEGINNING FOR THE INTERNATIONAL SEAFARERS’ WELFARE PROGRAM IN TAICHUNG PORT

The signing of the MOC between NCSU’s President, Jerry Sun and the Diocese of Taichung’s Bishop, Martin Su for AOS Stella Maris Seafarers’ Center

After a long wait for a new Seafarers’ Center in Taichung Port, the National Chinese Seamen’s Union (NCSU) and the Catholic Church’s Apostleship of the Sea - Taiwan have signed an agreement to establish a joint welfare program for the International Seafarers and fishers in Taichung Port. Bishop Martin Su Yao-wen of the Diocese of Taichung and Mr. Jerry Sun, the President of the NCSU, signed the Memorandum of Cooperation on November 11, 2010 to start a new Stella Maris Seafarers’ Center to be managed by the Apostleship of the Sea in Taichung Diocese on the existing facility of the NCSU’s International Seamen’s Club with the support of the International Transport (Workers) Federation - Seafarers’ Trust (ITF-ST) in London. The facility will be managed by Rev. Fr. Eliseo M. Napiere, MSP, the AOS National Director and an AOS Taichung Port Chaplain. The Apostleship of the Sea has been established under the auspices of the Roman Catholic Church of Taiwan under the office of the Episcopal Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People in order to establish a pastoral care program for the International and Local Seafarers in different International ports of Taiwan. Its main objective is to bring “honor and dignity” to the seafarers and their families and assist them in times of need and difficulties. The cooperation between the National Chinese Seamen’s Union and the Apostleship Of the Sea of the Diocese of Taichung marks the beginning of a collective welfare program for seafarers among the civil society and the Roman Catholic Church of Taiwan.

(Motu Proprio-Stella Maris)

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S TELLA M A RIS - TA IC H UN G P O RT From the AOS National Bishop Promoter, Bishop Bosco Lin Chi-Nan

The Apostleship of the Sea (AOS) in Taiwan is now sailing in the Port of Taichung towards the realization of a vision of serving the International Seafarers as mandated by the APOSTOLIC LETTER of Pope John Paul II, The "MOTU PROPRIO" STELLA MARIS ON THE MARITIME APOSTOLATE. As AOS Taiwan National Bishop Promoter, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the following: Bishop Matin Su YaoWen, the Bishop of the Diocese of Taichung, for his zealous concern to the welfare of the seafarers in his Diocese. To the National Chinese Seamen’s Union (NCSU) for its generosity of allowing the Stella Maris Seafarers’ Center be moored in its beautiful facility in Taichung Port. To the International Transport (workers’) Federation - Seafarers’ Tr ust (ITF-ST) for providing necessary funding in establishing the center. To ICSW, ICMA, RSWC for providing trainings and assistance to our AOS National Director a n d Pastoral Worker. To our local maritime agencies/ associations for their valuable supports particularly to the members of the National Seafarers’ Welfare Board (NSWB). HAPPY NEW YEAR! + BISHOP BOSCO LIN

THE APOSTLESHIP OF THE SEA - TAIWAN

AOS - TAIWAN YEAR-END REPORT The Apostleship of the Sea - Taiwan led by Bishop Bosco Lin Chi-Nan, the AOS National Bishop Promoter, met at the Stella Maris Seafarers’ Center in Taichung Port on December 7, 2010. Bishop Lin presented to the Port Chaplains and volunteers the state of the AOS-Taiwan and its achievements in the past year. He mentioned the following: • Successful alliance with different International Maritime Organizations, such as: ITF, ICSW, ICMA, RCSW, ISAN; • AOS Taiwan’s role in helping organized the Taiwan’s National Seafarers’ Welf are Board (NSWB) whic h is composed of the different local maritime agencies/organizations. The AOS National Director is a member of the NSWB Board of Directors; • The successful cooperation with the National Chinese Seamen’s Union (NCSU) with the use of its existing facility as a new Stella Maris Seafarers’ Center (SMSC) in Taichung Port and a Rose Lin and Capt. Hitoshi Yoshino vehicle for the Center’s use; • A successful acquisition of grants from ITF-ST for the SMSC start-up fund and maintaining operations; • The successful trainings on Crisis management and trauma interventions, Ship Welfare Visitors’ Course Instructors’ Training and other trainings acquired by our AOS Staff. Bishop Lin is also hoping for the ports of Keelung, Mai-liao, Hualien, and Kaoshiung to follow suit and strengthen their commitments in service the people of the sea. He announced the AOS Asia and Southeast Asia Regional meeting to be held in Taiwan on May 9-13, 2011. Through the intercession of Our Lady Stella Maris everything will be made possible.

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From the AOS National Director & Chaplain’s quarter Welcome aboard to Stella Maris newsletter maiden voyage! AOS Taiwan has so much to thank God for the many blessings He poured upon us during the year 2010. One of them is the beginning of the cooperation between the NCSU and the AOSDiocese of Taichung and for the use of the former’s facility to become a new Stella Maris Seafarers’ Center in Taichung Port. The International Transport (workers') Federation - Seafarers' Trust plays a big role in establishing the center through its encouragement and financial assistance. 2011 is a year of so much expectations as the Stella Maris Seafarers’ Center has started sailing in serving the international and local seafarers in the port of the Diocese of Taichung. As we begin our journey, I would like to invite everyone to take part on this voyage with Mary, Our Lady Stella Maris - the Star of the Sea, our guiding star towards our destiny which is the realization of our vision of bringing dignity and honor to the “invisible people” of the Sea.

The signing of the memorandum of cooperation between AOS Taichung & NCSU

The former International Seamen’s Club of NCSU now The Stella Maris Seafarers’ Center of AOS-Taichung.

全國海員宗會主任司鐸的話歡迎搭乘海星號的通妱首航！

The Chaplain at Stella Maris Seafarers’ Center

台灣海員宗會感謝上主在2010年所賞賜的豐富恩寵；從一開始台中教區海員宗會和中華海員總工會的合作和使用原有的設備，並且使其成為台中港區的海星海員中心；國際交通運輸工人聯盟海員信託部門所給予的鼓勵和財務上的補助，更是扮演建立該中心的最佳推手！ 2011年正當位於台中教區，台中港區的海星船員中心，正式開啟為本地和國際的海員服務，我們心中充滿了期待。在此，我衷心邀請每一位朋友協同我們的聖母焍海上的引導之星，一起為所有〞隱形勞工朋友〞的生命帶來尊嚴和榮耀。那禮叟神父

the Chaplain with the International fishers in their fishing boat’s quarter s t e l l a m a r i s b u l l e t i n • # 9 4 P a - D e r S T. , • W u - C h i ( 4 3 5 ) • Te l . + 8 8 6 4 2 6 5 6 9 8 4 0 • F a x + 8 8 6 4 2 6 5 6 9 7 6 5 • email: aostaiwan@gmail.com • Magicjack: (213)2835658 • Global roaming: +447924589708

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A Message from the AOS East & Southeast Asia Regional Coordinator Fr. Romeo Yu-Chang • AOS East & Southeast Asia Regional Director • AOS National Director - Singapore

It took years to realize the dream of establishing a seafarers’ center in Taichung. It started with the conviction that a port like Taichung should have a center that will respond to the various needs of seafarers visiting her port. Despite all the obstacles faced in realizing this dream, Fr. Loloy doggedly moved on to muster enough courage and determination to get all the relevant sectors of society involved in this project. The vision of the Apostleship of the Sea of extending a ministry of welcome to the people of the sea is the moving force in realizing this project. Setting up this seafarers’ center is just a beginning of this noble endeavour. The success and relevance of this center will be determined by the people manning this center. These people will give flesh and blood to offer the warm hand of friendship to people coming to the shore. They will be the ears to listen to the stories of some lonely souls yearning for understanding and acceptance. This lofty ideal has to be realized in the day to day operation of the center. We need people who are passionate about their work in seafarers’ ministry. This is the challenge that we must take up to make this center a fully functioning one. To realize this, we say: All hands on the deck! Yes, we need the cooperation of the various sectors of society to achieve this goal. Congratulations on this happy occasion.

Mission to Seafarers:

“In fulfilling this mission to seafarers, you face a most challenging and difficult task. You are dealing with people who live in a dispersed milieu. They face painful problems, such as separation from family and friends and the resulting feelings of isolation and loneliness; for extended periods of time they live and work at a great distance from a territorial parish. In a real sense, the seafaring world has become a missionary world. Remember that you are not alone in this awesome task. The whole Church is one with you in solicitude and prayer. The local Churches have a special role to play in the pastoral care of seafarers and other migrant groups.” ( John Paul II, 27 Oct-82). Life at sea means long periods of separation from family and community. Globalization has meant fierce competition, low wages and in some cases harsh working conditions. Apostleship of the Sea, through its chaplains and seafarers centres, works in solidarity with all those whose lives depend on the sea offering them hospitality and pastoral care.

“. . . I was a stranger and you welcomed me" (Mt 25:35)

Fr. Romeo Yu Chang

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S TELLA M A RIS - TA IC H UN G P O RT THE PEOPLE OF THE SEA

Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People

The Sea is no o n e ' s property; this gift of God was granted to humankind before there were nations or Christians, Muslims and Buddhists. Since then many nations have drawn lines of Economic Exclusive Zones (EEZ) extending into the sea, but the seas still remain the patrimony of all humankind. Spread out but united The People of the Sea are professionals. Whatever their nationality or religion, they share a common culture and human values. In fact the maritime world is formed out of the dispersion of these people around the globe and their continuous movement as they sail the Seven Seas, though they are often invisible to society at large. Reality finds them living and working in an environment that is often hostile, keeping them far from home and family as they endure lonely hours on the restless sea. From itinerants to migrants In the last decades of the XXth century the maritime world has greatly changed. Where seafarers were itinerant people before, now they have become migrants. For example, an Indian on a ship flying the Indian flag is on Indian territory wherever he goes and is under the laws of India. But when that Indian sails on a ship

flying the flag of Japan, he is on Japanese territory and must submit to the civil and social laws of Japan... Today, each time a seafarer boards a ship, he may have to change country and laws. On each ship he will meet companions whose language, culture and religion differ from his own. Problems of domestic unemployment and the urgent need to provide for one's family have resulted in a great number of seafarers now accepting very long contracts under difficult working and living conditions, as well as other risks connected to sailing on a ship not registered in one's own country. The organization The people of the sea have the need and right to feel part of humanity and of the Church.! Apostolatus Maris is an international network of Catholic associations and organizations founded in 1922. It provides for the pastoral care and support needed by Catholics in order to live and witness the Christian faith in the maritime world. It has members in 98 countries. In Apostolatus Maris seafaring and land-based people share a common objective: to address the spiritual, social and material wellbeing of seafarers on merchant a n d fi s h i n g v e s s e l s . T h e organization does the same for maritime families, not distinguishing between culture, nationality or religion.

Apostolatus Maris are known by various names: Apostleship of the S e a ( AO S ) i n a n g l o p h o n e countries; Apostolat de la Mer in most francophone countries (except in France, where it is called Mission de la Mer); Apostolado del Mar in Spanish countries; Apostolato del Mare in Italy; Utume wa Bahari in Swahili, etc. The centres or clubs for welcoming seafarers operated by Apostolatus Maris around the world are known as "Stella Maris Centres."! In the Apostolic Letter that updates the norms of Apostolatus Maris, John Paul II states: "Stella Maris" (Star of the Sea) has long been the favourite title by which people of the sea have called on her in whose protection they have always trusted: the Blessed Virgin Mary. Her son, Jesus Christ, accompanied his disciples in their vessels (see Mt 8, 23-27; Mc 4, 35-41; Lc 8, 22-25), helped them in their work and calmed the storms (see Mt 14, 22-33; Mc 6, 47-52; Gv 6, 16-21). And so the Church accompanies seafarers, caring for the special spiritual needs of those who for various reasons live and work in the maritime world" (31.1.1997). The people of the sea trust that Jesus knows what they most need as they enter (the 2011) of the third millennium. Facing the storms of life, they know that Jesus remains at the helm, steering them safely to Port where their loving Father awaits them.

Local or national associations of

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S TELLA M A RIS - TA IC H UN G P O RT WORDS FROM THE NCSU PRESIDENT Fr. Eliseo Napiere, MSP Stella Maris Seafarers Center in Taichung First of all, I would like to congratulate you and all your staff on the opening of the Catholic Stella Maris Seafarers Centre in Taichung. The service has been promoted smoothly and thus will benefit those diligent seafarers who arrive in Taichung Harbour. The National Chinese Seamen’s Union (NCSU) is truly proud of participating in this project in cooperation with AOSTaiwan and the International Transport Workers’ Federation Seafarers’ Trust. National Chinese Seamen’s Union (NCSU) is one of the leading unions in Taiwan and was founded in 1946. NCSU has more than 20,000 members and the headquarter is located in Capital (Taipei) City. It has branches in Keelung and Kaohsiung harbours and both have service centres for seafarers. We aimed to promote seamen’s benefits and protect their rights. NCSU has taken an active part in national seamen-related legislation amendment and expects that basic rights and benefits of the members, with Taiwanese nationality, can be guaranteed under the proclaimed laws and regulations. Famous lawyers with accomplishment in maritime rules and regulations have engaged in the service as the union’s legal advisers to provide legal services to members at any time. NCSU is also an affiliated union of International Transport Workers’ Federation ( ITF ), and thus absorbs international information and work together with others seafarers worldwide union to protects foreign crew.

致海星台中船員服務中心那禮叟神父：首先恭賀天主教海星台中海員服務中心的開業，由於那神父鍥而不捨的努力，才能讓此業務順利推展，嘉惠到達台中港各位辛勤的海上兄弟姐妹們。本會能參與此一計劃與AOS及國際運輸工人聯盟信託基金的合作倍感榮焉。中華海員總工會為台灣首屈一指元老級之工會團體之一，成立於1946年，會員人數2萬餘人，總會位於台北市，在基隆及高雄兩地均設有分會，專責為海員的服務機構。謀求船員福利及保障船員權益為我們的宗旨，本會以積極參與國內各項與船員相關法規之修訂，以期使本國籍會員的基本權益能獲法律之明文保障；敦聘對海事法規具有素養之名律師為法律顧問，隨時為會員提供法律服務。本會亦為國際運輸工人聯盟的加盟工會，藉由此一聯盟吸收國際資訊並保障非本國籍船員。我們會全力支持各港口的海員服務工作，很高興各位伙伴到達台中港,，希望各位辛勞的海員能在服務中心得到身體休憩及心靈滋潤。若想對中華海員總工會進一步瞭解,請上本會網站查詢本會網址: www.ncsu.org.tw 中華海員總工會理事長孫哲英敬賀

We always support the seamen service in every port with great effort and welcome the AOS’ arrival at Taichung Harbour. NCSU wishes that Stella Maris Seafarers’ Center be a haven of comfort to the hard-working international and local seafarers visiting our shore. Please look at our website for any further information and understanding of National Chinese Seamen’s Union at www.ncsu.org.tw Wish all you the best Jerry SUN President Chairman of National Chinese Seamen’s Union (NCSU)

The hand-over of the NCSU’s International Seamen’s Club to the Apostleship of the Sea Stella Maris Seafarers’ Center. L-R: Mr. Benjamin Yan, President of the National Seafarers’ Welfare Board; Ms. Daphne Su, NCSU Welfare Officer; Mr. Mu-Yien TSAI,!standing! supervisor of NCSU; Mr. Tom Chen, Chairman of Port Welfare Committee; Mr. Jerry Sun, President of the National Chinese Seamen’s Union; Bishop Martin Su, Bishop of Taichung; Fr. Eliseo Napiere, AOS National Director/ Port Chaplain; Atty. Josephus Jimenez, Phil. Labor Attache.

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S TELLA M A RIS - TA IC H UN G P O RT Message from ITF-ST The ITFSeafarers Trust s e n d congratulations to the NCSU and A O S f o r th eir co o p er atio n in providing ship visiting and a welcome for seafarers calling in the port of Taichung. This large and important port receives many seafarers from all over the world and these new services will be a huge benefit to them. They will be able to have transport, visits to their ships and the use of a small seafarers centre. The trust is proud to have provided the funding to enable this to start and we hope it will get lots of local support.

AOS - TAICHUNG IN ACTION! Welfare Assistance Seafarers are the invisible people working in the high seas to bring comfort to the people on land. Oftentimes, they are confronted with so much challenges. Be it physical, emotional, psychological, and more so, spiritual.

They are seldom recognized because of the nature of their work. They have little chance to shore leave. Sometimes,

they are victims of criminalization by the countries who don’t follow the

Tom Holmer ITF-ST Administrative Officer International Maritime Conventions. Natural and accidental man-made disasters at sea are always unpredictable. Family

and social pressures at home are always in their minds.

The seafarers have no one to turn to except to their faith to

the invisible God whom they believe is the source of their strength and to the Church whose concern to their plight is the source of their comfort. The Stella Maris - Star of the Sea is the GPS in their journey of FAITH. s t e l l a m a r i s b u l l e t i n • # 9 4 P a - D e r S T. , • W u - C h i ( 4 3 5 ) • Te l . + 8 8 6 4 2 6 5 6 9 8 4 0 • F a x + 8 8 6 4 2 6 5 6 9 7 6 5 • email: aostaiwan@gmail.com • Magicjack: (213)2835658 • Global roaming: +447924589708

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Roger Harris Executive Director International Committee on Seafarers’ Welfare Gresham House 53 Clarendon Road, Watford, Hertfordshire WD17 1LA, United Kingdom Fax: +44 (0) 1923 222 663 E-mail: ICSW@ICSW.ORG.UK

Greetings, “The International Committee on Seafarers’ Welfare sends its warmest greetings to AOS-Stella Maris Taiwan on the occasion of the opening of the new seafarers’ centre. At a time when seafarers are facing shorter times in ports and longer periods at sea, it is encouraging that you are providing a new service that allows seafarers the opportunity to get off their ship and make contact with their families. The ICSW looks forward to working with Stella Maris and other seafarer welfare organizations in Taiwan. I wish you all the success with the new centre.” Roger Harris Executive Director International Committee on Seafarers' Welfare (ICSW) INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE ON SEAFARERS’ WELFARE The international umbrella organization dedicated to the practical implementation of the International Labour Organization instruments on Seafarers’ Welfare Convention 163 and recommendation 173 and the Maritime Labour Convention 2006. The ICSW is a Company Limited by Guarantee registered under United Kingdom Law. The ICSW is a ‘Non for Profit’ organization governed by its Memorandum of Association, Article of Association and Rules.

The Fifth South East Asia Regional Seafarers’ Welfare Committee Meeting of the London-based International Committee on Seafarers’ Welfare (ICSW) was held in Manila from 12 thru 14 April 2010.

MISSION STATEMENT: An international charity dedicated to the relief of need, hardship or distress amongst seafarers of all nationalities, irrespective of gender, races, colour and creeds. The ICSW is a voluntary organization established for the purpose of bringing together appropriate interests in the field of seafarers' welfare and thus provides a forum for information exchange as well as for the coordination of projects on the care of seafarers.

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I Dewa Nyoman Budiasa Regional Coordinator International Committee on Seafarers Welfare South East Asia - Regional Welfare Committee Jl.Danau Tamblingan 27 Sanur Denpasar 80228 Bali INDONESIA

Seasons Greetings, As we all know that a National Seafarers Welfare Board has reconvened on 28 May 2010 in Taiwan and Mr. Benjamin Yan was elected as the new President of the Board. I was delighted to know that and now the Apostleship of the Sea – Stella Maris Seafarers’ Centre will be opened in Taichung Port, Taiwan, which will be fully operational by January 2011. All these are great achievements of hard work and professional diligence which are truly outstanding between NCSU, Apostleship of the Sea – Stella Maris, and ITF – ST as the funder. A good collaboration between NSWB members and all related parties, in providing seafarers welfare facilities. I have great confidence that the centre will provide basic needs of both local and international seafarers, as the slogan of South East Asia region: “A happy seafarer = a safer ship”. On behalf of the entire team of ICSW – SEA RWC, I would like to heartily congratulate you on the opening of the centre, with warmest regards and best wishes for a successful future.

BACKGROUND TO SEAFARERS' WELFARE IN THE SOUTH EAST ASIA REGION By the 1TF Seafarers' Trust The ITF Seafarers' Trust is working to increase the number of ports where seafarers can receive the welfare services they need. The ICSW Regional Seafarers' Welfare Development programmes give an opportunity for funding seafarers' welfare facilities in many countries where nothing existed before the programme. The ICSW structure for delivery of services to seafarers is through National and Port Welfare Committees; both of which are a tried and tested means of gathering together all the agencies, organizations and individuals in a port who are interested in making their ports better places for visiting seafarers. Through these committees, ship owners, unions, agents, churches, port authorities and maritime administrations meet regularly to focus on seafarers' welfare without the distraction of other considerations. Capital projects funded by the ITF Seafarers' Trust can therefore be supported and directed by local institutions and people through the Port Welfare Committee structure. The South East Asia region targeted for this program at the ICSW seminar 2007 includes Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam region, these countries provide about a third of the seafarers and collectively have a large maritime industry of these countries have very well developed facilities for seafarers, particularly Singapore where the conference was held. Some have very little in terms of welfare facility present, but the objective of the regional programme is to improve facilities and services for seafarers in all the participating countries; together with setting up structured committees that will allow this development to start.

ICSW SOUTHEAST ASIA REGIONAL WELFARE COMMITTEE - IN ACTION

Regional Conference - Sriracha, Thailand s t e l l a m a r i s b u l l e t i n • # 9 4 P a - D e r S T. , • W u - C h i ( 4 3 5 ) • Te l . + 8 8 6 4 2 6 5 6 9 8 4 0 • F a x + 8 8 6 4 2 6 5 6 9 7 6 5 • email: aostaiwan@gmail.com • Magicjack: (213)2835658 • Global roaming: +447924589708

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S TELLA M A RIS - TA IC H UN G P O RT MR. BENJAMIN YAN President, ICSW National Seafarers Welfare Board - Taiwan Chairman, Taichung Shipping Association President, Glory Shipping Co.

Dear Fr. Eliseo Napiere, My best congratulations to you! We’ve worked together for several months now and you’ve made a good work. I wish you luck with your new Stella Maris Seafarers’ Center in Taichung Port. I hope that the International Committee on Seafarers Welfare - National Welfare Board will continually be of help to your great effort in providing welfare services to the international and local seafarers and fishers. New opportunity is always a challenge, and challenges in life make us more responsible people... good luck and keep the Stella Maris “steady as she goes” in the right course. The most important thing is that Stella Maris Seafarers’ Center is a brilliant project for Taichung port, a creation of a brilliant mind with so much professionalism and dedication. Thank you for your professionalism and dedication and for making us believe and understand the mission of the Catholic Church in the maritime world.

ICSW NATIONAL SEAFARERS’ WELFARE BOARD TAIWAN The ICSW National Seafarers’ Welfare Board in Taiwan was finally organized on May 28, 2010 through the initiative of the National Chinese Seamen’s Union in cooperation with the different Maritime agencies/Organizations including the Churchbased Apostleship of the Sea (AOS) and the Government’s Ministry of Transportation and Communication (MOTC). The purpose of its organization is to respond locally to the International Labour Organization (ILO) Seafarers’ Welfare Convention 163 (1987) and Seafarers’ Welfare Recommendation 173 (1987) which states on art. 9. (1) Welfare boards should be established at the port, regional, and national levels.

ICSW National Seafarers’ Welfare Board - Taiwan

As the Stella Maris continue to sail, we are proud to be part of her journey. Congratulations to AOS-Stella Maris Seafarers’ Center! Benjamin Yan

Apostleship of the Sea (AOS) with the ICSW NSWB President, Benjamin Yan & staff, Allan

AOS ICSW NSWB Taichung Port Welfare Committee on board Taitar 4 with Tom Chen, Port welfare coordinator s t e l l a m a r i s b u l l e t i n • # 9 4 P a - D e r S T. , • W u - C h i ( 4 3 5 ) • Te l . + 8 8 6 4 2 6 5 6 9 8 4 0 • F a x + 8 8 6 4 2 6 5 6 9 7 6 5 • email: aostaiwan@gmail.com • Magicjack: (213)2835658 • Global roaming: +447924589708

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S TELLA M A RIS - TA IC H UN G P O RT SHIP VISIT: The Church on board - Meeting the people of the Sea

The people of the sea are God’s people. They need to be loved and cared for and nurtured in their faith. Port chaplains and ship visitors (the Church on land) treat each seafarer (the Church at sea) with the same dignity, honor, respect and love Jesus bestows on us. Jesus called ordinary fishermen to follow him. They were not ordinary to Him just as the seafarers we meet are not ordinary

ROY PAUL, ITF-ST Assistant Administrative Officer and Budiasa, ICSW Regional Coordinator visited Taiwan in July, 2010 to promote the Seafarers’ Welfare program in Taiwan.

A visit to the Archbishop of Taipei and President of the Chinese Regional Bishops’ Conference Archbp. John Hung

A visit to Archbishop Peter Liu, Bishop of Kaoshiung

to us. The people of the sea chosen by Jesus became the foundation on which Christianity was built. The seafarers today have the same great challenge in

spreading the gospel to the ends of the earth! The Apostleship of the Sea. Ships are usually huge, very visible objects with a particular group of fans who

A visit to Bishop Philip Huang, Bishop of Hualien

consider themselves “ship watchers.” On the other hand, the people who work aboard ships are often invisible, living out of sight much of the time. And

when they are ashore they look like everyone else. Who Cares? THE APOSTLESHIP OF THE SEA STELLA MARIS CARES!

Port Visit: l-r Benjamin Yan (NSWB), Fr. Loloy (AOS), Tom Chen (PWC), Bishop Su (Diocese of Taichung), Budi (RCSW), Fr. Hung (DMC), Daphne (NCSU), Msgr. Cheng (Diocese of Taichung VG), Roy Paul (ITF-ST)

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S TELLA M A RIS - TA IC H UN G P O RT SWVC Trainors’ Training Singapore ’10

Rose Lin, AOS Taiwan, at SWVC Instructors’ Training in Singapore Ms. Rose Lin, the ECMI/AOS Taiwan Pastoral Worker and AOS Volunteers’ Coordinator, has g raduat ed t he SWVC Trainors’ Training in Singapore on Nov. 27 - Dec. 4 through the sponsorship of International Committee of Seafarers’ Welfare (ICSW) and BW Fleet Management Pte Ltd. Singapore. Ms. Rose Lin is now a certified Instruct or for Ship Welfare Visitors Course with an accreditation by the UK Nautical Institute and UK Merchant Navy Welfare Board.

AOS STAFF TRAINING: To engage in maritime apostolate, one has to undergo different kinds of trainings in order to successfully respond to the pastoral / welfare needs of the people of the sea. AOS Taiwan personnel have underwent various trainings such as: Trauma & Crisis Intervention (Bohol, Phils.), Self-care training (Penang, Malaysia), Project management a n d H I V- A I D S preventions (Sriracha, Thailand), S e a f a r e r s ‘ M i n i s t r y Tr a i n i n g (Singapore), Ship Welfare Visitors‘ Course, and Ship Welfare Visitors‘ C o u r s e - I n s t r u c t o r s ‘ Tr a i n i n g (Singapore). The trainings that our AOS Taiwan Personnel have acquired are through the sponsorship of ITF-ST, ICSW, ICMA, and AOS International Desk (Rome). The AOS Taiwan personnel who underwent the trainings are: Fr. Loloy Napiere, MSP, AOS National Director and Chaplain of Taichung Port, Rose Lin, the ECMI/AOS Pastoral Worker and Volunteers’ Coordinator, Fr. Mario Bonfaini, CMF, Keelung Port Chaplain, and Bro. Buddy Bejosano, Hualien Port Pastoral Worker.

Trauma & Crisis Intervention Training, Philippines

Self-Care Preparedness Training, Malaysia

On board Kapitan Oca Training Ship, Philippines

Crisis preparedness training, Philippines ship visit

Rose on ship visit

Ship Welfare Visitors Course - Instructors’ Training, Singapore

HIV-AIDS & Project management training, Thailand

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Know the people behind the establishment of AOS-Stella Maris Seafarers’ Center in Taichung Port

CHINESE REGIONAL BISHOPS’ CONFERENCE

Bishop Martin Su Bishop of Taichung

Bishop Bosco Lin ECMI President/ AOS National Bishop Promoter

Mr. Jerry Sun President, NCSU

Tom Holmer Administrative Officer ITF-ST

Roy Paul Assistant Admin. Officer, ITF-ST

Fr. Romeo Yu-Chang AOS Regional Coordinator/ AOS Nat’l Director Singapore

Fr. Vic Labao ICMA Regional Coordinator/ AOS Nat’l DirectorPhils.

Fr. Loloy Napiere, MSP ECMI Exec. Sec./ AOS National Director - Taiwan

Rev. Hennie La Grange Secretary General ICMA

Roger Harris ICSW Executive Director

I Dewa Nyoman Budiasa ICSW Regional Coordinator

Mr. Benjamin Yan President ICSW National Welfare Board - Taiwan

Ms. Daphne Su NCSU Welfare Officer

Ms. Rose Lin ECMI-AOS Pastoral Worker/ICSW Ship visitor Course Instructor/Counselor

Mr. Tom Chen Coordinator Port Welfare Program - Taichung Port

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Taking the risk and facing all the challenges at sea are all for the love of family. KEEP THE SEAFARERS ONLINE! The Stella Maris is keeping them in-touch with their loved ones.

The tales of the seafarers at sea The AOS - Seafarers’ Welfare Assistance Team (AOS-SWAT) in Taichung Port responded to the call of Capt. Hitoshi Yoshino, the General Manager of Mimic Ship Management Co. in Taipei, to help the distress seafarers onboard S/S Taitar No. 4, an LNG Carrier from Qatar, following the death of their crew mate (Chief Cook) a month ago. The team led by the chaplain, Fr. Loloy, boarded the vessel and conducted a group counseling session to the 27 filipino crew. The crew expresses their concerns on what had happened. Even though the officials of the said vessel are concerned about their safety and stability, much of their worries lie on the immediate medical evacuation when it will happen to them. The Philippine maritime units failed to respond to air medievac their crew mate because there was no available coast guard chopper during that time. The crew were left helpless until their mate expired from illness. S/S Taitar 4 is a brand new tanker vessel with advanced computerize equipment and skilled crew together with their responsible and concerned Romanian Master. But in emergency situation like this, life is a paramount importance for everyone. After the group counseling session, the affected seafarers experienced relief and expressed their gratitude to the AOS-SWAT for taking time to listen to their painful stories at sea.

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S TELLA M A RIS - TA IC H UN G P O RT A HAPPY SEAFARER, A SAFER SHIP!

Protected by Mary, Our Lady Stella Maris

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S TELLA M A RIS - TA IC H UN G P O RT The Rite of Installation of the Port Chaplain

Bishop: Let us pray

Bishop: Peace be with you.

Holy Lord, almighty Father, eternal God, bless + Thy servant for the office of port chaplain, and his pastoral ministry to the seafarers. Let your light shine upon him and to those people whom you have chosen to assist him in this ministry in the name of your holy Church. Bless also the people of the sea whom they will be serving and let the shining star of Mary, our Lady Stella Maris be their constant guide towards their destiny in heaven. We pray that he may be devoted to Thy service and together with Thine elect have a share in Thy reward. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who lives and reigns with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. R. Amen.

All: and also with you.

Fr. Loloy: (Profession of Faith....)

Bishop: Our help is in the name of the Lord.

Commentator: The kiss of peace symbolizes the trust given to the chaplain by the local ordinary in carrying out his mission to the seafarers. And let us give him a round of applause.

Commentator: The installation of the Port Chaplain will begin. Please stand for the opening hymn. (Come Holy Spirit...) Bishop: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. All: Amen

All: who made heaven and earth. Commentator: Please be seated. Now the Chairman of the Diocesan Migrants’ Commission, Fr. Dominic Hung, will now call the candidate for installation.

Bishop: The Lord be with

Fr. Hung: Let him to be installed as port chaplain please come forward: Rev. Fr. Eliseo M. Napiere, MSP. Fr. Loloy: Adsum (present)

Final Blessing: Bow your heads and pray for God’s blessing. (pause) • Lord, send your light upon your people, May they continue to enjoy your favor and devote themselves to doing good. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

The Instruction. the bishop address the chaplain as follows:

All: Amen

• Dearly beloved, Rev. Fr. Eliseo, you are about to be installed as port chaplain of Taichung Harbour. Behold what you must do in this noble task. The duty of a port chaplain is to see to it that the work of the maritime apostolate of the Catholic Church be carried out in the maritime environment and among the people of the Sea. You provide pastoral assistance in Stella Maris Center and other hospitality centers for maritime personnel in the port of Taichung. By virtue of your office, you perform for the people of the sea all acts pertaining to the care of souls. Preaching, teaching, and living-out the Gospel values and celebrating the liturgy and administering the sacraments are the utmost importance in your ministry with deep respect and understanding to the other faiths and cultures of the people of the sea. You visit regularly the vessels calling in the port of Taichung in order to bring to the seafarers the message of faith, hope, and love. You also need to have a close relation with your local Ordinary or his representative, the AOS National Bishop Promoter and with the AOS National Director for proper guidance. Be prudent in dealings with maritime problems and establish a close friendly relations with those in authorities and shipping organizations. • Last but not the least, you need to closely adhere to the instructions stipulated in the Apostolic Letter “Motu Proprio” Stella Maris on the Maritime Apostolate and other social documents of the Church. Do you understand all these?

Bishop: And may the blessing of the Almighty God, + the Father, + the Son, and + the Holy Spirit, come upon you and remain with you forever.

Fr. Loloy: I do. Bishop: May the Lord in His mercy accomplish this in you.

All: and also with you

All: Amen Final Song: Salve Regina... Commentator: Please remain seated for the messages of our distinguish guests. Programme: Recognition of the Guests Messages: • Msgr. Paul Russel - Apostolic Nuncio • Mr. Jerry Sun - President of the NCSU - Presentation of the Plaque of Appreciation to NCSU by Bp. Su and Msgr. Russel • Mr. Benjamin Yan - President, ICSW NWB • Atty. Josephus Jimenez - Phil. Labor Attache, Taichung • Bishop Martin Su Yao-Wen - Bishop of Taichung • Fr. Eliseo Napiere, MSP - AOS National Director/Port Chaplain • Songs from the Daluyan/Migrants’ Choir Refreshment / Coffee / End

Commentator: Now, the bestowal of office. The Bishop will present to the chaplain the copy of the “Motu Proprio” Stella Maris as the guiding principle of the Chaplain in carrying out his mission to the seafarers and the pendant, the symbol of the Apostleship of the Sea. s t e l l a m a r i s b u l l e t i n • # 9 4 P a - D e r S T. , • W u - C h i ( 4 3 5 ) • Te l . + 8 8 6 4 2 6 5 6 9 8 4 0 • F a x + 8 8 6 4 2 6 5 6 9 7 6 5 • email: aostaiwan@gmail.com • Magicjack: (213)2835658 • Global roaming: +447924589708

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A few more minutes pass and BANG the lights go out.

Seafarers’ Jokes!

Discouraged and now seemingly adrift he heads to the bridge to admit defeat. “I am soooo sorry chief, I lost the plant. Your job is much harder than I ever thought”. “That’s OK….” replies the Chief Engineer “we ran aground!”

The Captain and Chief Engineer The Captain and the Chief Engineer were in the galley revisiting an old argument: The Chief: “Your job is too easy, all you do is pick a point on the chart and set your compass to it”. “No Way” said the captain. “Your job is way easier those engines are just a larger version of an outboard motor!” So each men decided to switch jobs for awhile to settle the argument…. about an hour latter beads of sweat are running down the Captain’s brow as he struggles to keep the plant online. After about 20min the Captain hears a small bang and sends the 3rd A/E to investigate. An alarm goes off and he sends the 2nd. Then he sees an oiler running past with a wrench…so he sends the 1st.

GREETINGS TO THE STELLA MARIS SEAFARERS’ CENTER - TAICHUNG PORT -

From Jerry Sun & Staff of the National Chinese Seamen’s Union (NCSU)

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CONGRATULATIONS TO AOS - STELLA MARIS SEAFARERS’ CENTER

FILIPINO-CHINESE WOMEN’S CLUB Changhua City

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Fr. Bruno Ciceri, AOS International Desk; Bishop Bosco Lin, Taiwan National Bishop Promoter; Archbp. Antonio Veglio, President of the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants & Itinerant People; Fr. Loloy Napiere, MSP, AOS National Director - Taiwan

Who are these seafarers we serve? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Beloved, you are faithful in all you do for the brothers, especially for strangers; they have testified to your love before the church. Please help them in a way worthy of God to continue their journeyâ&#x20AC;? (3 Jn 5-7).

Prayer For seafarers: Heavenly Father: we pray to you for those on the perilous ocean that you

S TELLA M A RIS B ULLETIN # 94 Pa-Der Road, Wuchi District, Taichung City, Taiwan, R.O.C.

will embrace them with your mighty protection and grant them success in all their rightful undertakings. Grant them in all hours of need to see that they have a God who remembers them, and grant them grace in the hour of danger to commit their souls into your hands. 0 Lord Jesus Christ, who can rebuke the storm and bring it to silence, and lay the roaring waves to rest, show them who call to you out of the deep that you hear their prayer and will save them. And finally bring us all to the only safe port. Amen.